Farmers embrace command wheat programme

Farmers in the Middle Sabi, who had turned away from wheat farming in the past 10 years, have resumed cropping the cereal following the introduction of government’s command agriculture programme.

The incorporation of wheat in the command farming programme has reignited zeal with almost a 1000 hectares in the area already under wheat production.

A local farmer, Zvidzai Rushwaya said he has managed to plant 80 hectare alone, while a number of other farmers are equally excited at resuming operations.

Chipinge District Agricultural Extension Officer, Mr Tapiwanashe Mativenga Chagwesha said command agriculture has managed to help farmers resuscitate wheat farming with a net effect of improving national wheat production in the coming seasons.

Chagwesha said command farming has also seen maize farmers in the district doubling production.

The government is promoting the growing of wheat to reduce imports of the crop, with improved balance of trade being the positive net effect.